Myco Muse

Dalia Borges
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NATURE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Myco Muse, where we dive into the fascinating realm of fungi and their profound impact on our planet. Hosted by Dalia Borges, a passionate mycology enthusiast and wildlife conservation student, this podcast brings you captivating stories, groundbreaking research, and insightful discussions about the magical world of mushrooms. Each episode uncovers the mysteries of mycology, from the incredible biodiversity of fungal species to their crucial roles in ecosystems and potential applications in sustainability. Join us as we explore the world of funga.

Episodes

  1. 08/06/2025

    Why Fungi Aren’t Saving the World… Yet

    🎧Listen with headphones for the best experience 🎧 In this episode of Myco Muse, we will confront a question few dare to ask: If fungi can clean oil spills, digest pharmaceuticals, and detoxify soil, why aren’t they everywhere? Why isn’t mycelium a frontline tool in environmental restoration? Journey with me through the science, the politics, and the psychology behind mycoremediation’s stalled potential. We’ll explore why fungi are so sensitive to their environments, why scaling them from lab to field is so complex, and how global economic systems- built on speed, extraction, and profit- clash with fungi’s slow, regenerative rhythm. From the quantum-level sensitivity of fungal life to the centuries-old cultural fear of decay, we’ll examine the deeper story: what fungi can teach us about slowness, cooperation, and transformation. And yes- we’ll ask the uncomfortable question… What if the real reason fungi aren’t saving the world is because those in power are afraid they actually could? Whether you’re a mycophile, an environmentalist, or simply curious about the edges where science meets philosophy, this episode invites you to slow down, sink in, and meet fungi on their terms. Referenced works in this episode: Yamanaka et al. (2008) — Lignolytic enzymes produced by Trametes villosa under different culture conditions Otaiku et al. (2020) — Fungi consortia in situ biodegradation of xenobiotics, Nigeria Ortúzar et al. (2022) — Pharmaceutical pollution in aquatic environments Antón-Herrero et al. (2023) — Scale-up effectiveness of mycoremediation for aliphatic hydrocarbons Share your reflections with me on Instagram @fungimuse 🌱🍄 keep this conversation alive, one spore at a time. 🌱🍄

    14 min

  2. 03/08/2025

    Fungal Consciousness: The Mind Without a Brain

    Listen with headphones for the best experience Throughout the episode, you’ll hear the calming resonance of 852 Hz Solfeggio frequencies, enhancing clarity, relaxation and tuning your third eye chakra. To close, a soothing 4-minute meditation begins when the sound bowl chimes, guiding you into a reflective state. Sit back, relax, and let fungi expand your mind. In this episode of Myco Muse, journey with me to explore the enigmatic world of fungal consciousness—a realm where networks of mycelium challenge our notions of awareness and intelligence. Discover how fungi sense, adapt, and shape their surroundings without a central “brain,” forging connections with plants, trees, and even entire ecosystems. We’ll delve into the idea of consciousness as a distributed, collective phenomenon, shaped by chemical cues and environmental cues rather than singular thought or identity. Whether you’re an avid mycophile or just curious about life beneath the surface, tune in for a mind-expanding conversation on how fungi expand our understanding of what it truly means to be aware—and how that awareness can remind us of our own interconnectedness with the world around us. Distributed Intelligence in Mycelial NetworksArticle: “Network-Based Organization in Fungal Mycelia” – Journal of Fungal Ecology The Wood Wide WebBook: Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake Fungal Neurobiology (Emerging Field)Article: “Fungal Behavior: Sensory Perception and Adaptation” – Fungal Biology Reviews Mycelium and Environmental InteractionBook: Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on Instagram and Spotify. Let’s keep the conversation going—one spore at a time!

    14 min

  3. 11/27/2024

    Underneath It All: The Mycelial Web That Connects Us

    🎧 Best experienced with headphones! 🎧 Before pressing play, lay down or lounge in a comfortable space, take six deep breaths, and prepare to immerse yourself in a deeply relaxing and enlightening journey into the fascinating world of fungi. This episode of Myco Muse is not recommended for use while operating machinery. In "Underneath It All: The Mycelial Web That Connects Us", we explore the intricate network of mycelium and hyphae that form the backbone of fungal life. Learn how these sensory explorers fuse, branch, and adapt to transform their surroundings, connecting ecosystems in ways both profound and mysterious. From mycorrhizal partnerships to the versatility of Cordyceps and the latest innovations in mycelium technology, this episode will inspire you to see the natural world, and our place within it-in a new light. Stay with me as we dive into the scientific, poetic, and even philosophical wonders of fungi. Whether you're a mycology enthusiast or just curious about the unseen life beneath your feet, this episode offers something for everyone. Special thanks to Pixabay for some of the incredible sounds featured in this episode, and shoutouts to @LuminousPresence, @BeetPro, @Saavane, @SoulMusic, and @RedProductions for their contributions to the immersive experience. Your work helps bring this podcast to life! 🔗 References for this episode: Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World by Paul Stamets Adamatzky, A. (2020). Neural-like activity in fungal mycelium networks. Scientific Reports. Beiler, K.J., et al. (2018). "Mycorrhizal networks in forests." Nature Communications. Tedersoo, L., et al. (2020). "Global diversity and geography of soil fungi." Science Advances. NASA Research on Mycelium for Space Habitats (2022). NASA.gov.

    16 min

  4. 10/17/2024

    Mushrooms Through the Lens of Art, Myth, and Culture

    *Listen with headphones for the best experience* In this episode of Myco Muse, embark with me on an immersive journey through time to explore the deep and enigmatic connections between humans and mushrooms. From the sacred Lingzhi mushroom in ancient Taoist traditions to the mysterious fairy rings of medieval folklore, we uncover how fungi have shaped art, spirituality, and myth across cultures. Discover the transformative role of mushrooms in Renaissance alchemy, the hidden symbolism in literature, and even a provocative theory linking early Christianity to psychoactive fungi. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned mycophile, this episode will reveal how these remarkable organisms continue to inspire wonder and challenge our perceptions. Tune in to uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the surface and see how mushrooms have influenced our past and continue to shape our cultural landscape. References: 1. Mushrooms in Literature • Book: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll • Source: Public Domain Texts and Various Literary Analyses 2. Mushrooms in Mythology and Folklore • Article: “The Role of Amanita Muscaria in Siberian Shamanism” - Journal of Archaeology and Mythology 3. Controversial Theory – The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross • Book: The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross by John Marco Allegro • Source: Various analyses and discussions on the theory 4. Alchemical Texts and Symbolism • Article: “Mushrooms in Alchemical Practice and Symbolism” - The Alchemy Journal Shoutout: A huge thank you to Freesound and their amazing artists for providing the music and sound effects that helped bring this episode to life. Your creative contributions are invaluable and greatly appreciated.

    19 min

  5. 08/27/2024

    The Ancient Relationship Between Humans and Mushrooms

    *Listen with headphones for the best experience* In this episode of Myco Muse, you will be taken on a fascinating journey through time to explore the profound and multifaceted relationship between humans and mushrooms. From the earliest evidence of mushroom consumption by our Upper Palaeolithic ancestors to their mystical roles in ancient spiritual practices, this episode delves into how fungi have shaped human history in unexpected ways. We'll explore the controversial "Stoned Ape Theory," which suggests that psychedelic mushrooms may have played a crucial role in the evolution of human creativity and consciousness. Additionally, we’ll uncover the ancient medicinal uses of fungi, from the practical application of moldy bread to treat wounds in ancient Egypt to the revolutionary discovery of penicillin, which transformed modern medicine. Whether you're a seasoned mycophile or new to the wonders of fungi, this episode will open your eyes to the deep, ancient connections between humans and the fungal kingdom, revealing how these remarkable organisms have influenced our past and continue to impact our present. Tune in and discover how the smallest organisms often have the most profound impacts. References: Oldest Evidence of Mushroom Consumption: ◦Article: "Oldest Evidence for Use of Mushrooms as a Food Source" ◦Source: Archaeology Wiki ◦Link: Archaeology News Network. The Shamanic Use of Mushrooms: ◦Research Paper: "Psychoactive Mushrooms in Early Cultures: Use in Shamanism and Religion" ◦Source: Ethnobotany Journal ◦Link: Ethnobotany Journal. Mushrooms in Ancient Medicine: ◦Article: "The Historical and Cultural Use of Medicinal Mushrooms" ◦Source: Herbal Medicine Journal ◦Link: Herbal Medicine Journal. The Discovery of Penicillin: ◦Article: "The Discovery and Development of Penicillin" ◦Source: British Journal of Pharmacology ◦Link: British Journal of Pharmacology. The "Stoned Ape" Hypothesis: ◦Book: "Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge" by Terence McKenna ◦Link: Penguin Random House.

    17 min

  6. 08/16/2024

    Ancient History of Fungi

    *Listen with headphones for the best experience* In this episode of 'Myco Muse,' we embark on a journey back in time to explore the ancient history of fungi. These remarkable organisms have been shaping our planet for over a billion years, long before the first plants took root on land or the first animals roamed the Earth. From their humble beginnings in the primordial oceans to their vital roles in post-Ice Age recovery, fungi have proven to be some of the most resilient and adaptable life forms on Earth. Join me as we delve into the fascinating story of how fungi not only survived but thrived through Earth's most dramatic changes, laying the foundation for the rich and diverse ecosystems we see today. Stay Fung-Tastic!

    13 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to Myco Muse, where we dive into the fascinating realm of fungi and their profound impact on our planet. Hosted by Dalia Borges, a passionate mycology enthusiast and wildlife conservation student, this podcast brings you captivating stories, groundbreaking research, and insightful discussions about the magical world of mushrooms. Each episode uncovers the mysteries of mycology, from the incredible biodiversity of fungal species to their crucial roles in ecosystems and potential applications in sustainability. Join us as we explore the world of funga.

Information

  • Creator
    Dalia Borges
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dalia Borges
  • Show Website
    Myco Muse